Caramel Apple Bars

Winter, I love it.  I know I may be among the few people out there who prefer winter and cold weather to summer… but I have always loved it.  I love short days, cozy evenings reading on the couch covered with an old woollen blanket while sipping a cup of hot tea.  Even better if it’s raining or snowing outside.  But alas, I moved to a warm place and I don’t think I will ever get to see snow here in Sydney!  However, we do get some cold days and I am trying to make the most of it, as I know it won’t last long.  Baking is something I have always enjoyed doing in winter and what better seasonal ingredient to use than apples?  Apples and caramel are one of my favourite combinations, just my kind of comfort food.  I came up with these bars while going through my pantry… I had a couple of things I wanted to finish off, and I think the caramel bits work amazingly well in this recipe.  They add a little crunch to the soft filling and, obviously, a great caramel flavour.  These bars are delicious on their own, but they reach a complete different level when paired with Salted Caramel Gelato.  The slight bitterness and saltiness of the ice cream is just an amazing addition to the sweetness of the bars.  An absolute must try!  Enjoy!

5 from 1 vote

Print

Caramel Apple Bars

The recipe for some decadent and comforting Caramel Apple Bars, delicious on their own and even better with Salted Caramel Ice Cream!

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: International

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Author: Manuela Zangara

Ingredients

Base

• 80 gms – 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp sugar
• 225 gms – 1 ½ cups + 2 ½ tbsp flour sifted
• ½ tsp baking powder sifted
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 egg lightly beaten
• 100 gms – 3.5 oz. unsalted butter melted

Filling

• 3 or 4 apples peeled and sliced
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 80 gms – 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp sugar
• 80 gms – ½ cup caramel bits

Crumble topping

• 225 gms – 1 ½ cups + 2 ½ tbsp flour sifted
• 80 gms – 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp caster sugar
• 150 gms – 5.3 oz. cold unsalted butter chopped
• ½ cup almond slivers

Instructions

Base

1. Line a 20x30 cm (8x12 inches) baking pan with baking paper.
2. Put the sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, egg and butter in an electric mixer and mix until just combined.
3. Press the mixture into the base of the prepared pan and bake it in a pre heated oven at 180°C – 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden and firm.
   
4. Let it cool completely.

Filling

1. Put the apples, sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and toss to combine. Keep aside.
   

Crumble topping

1. Put the flour, butter and sugar in an electric mixer and mix until just combined (it will look like coarse breadcrumbs).

Assembling

1. Using a slotted spoon and shaking off the excess juice (reserve it for later), distribute the apples over the cooked base. Sprinkle the caramel bits on the top.
2. Cover with the crumble topping and slivered almonds.
   
3. Bake it in a pre heated oven at 180°C – 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden.
   
4. Let them cool down a bit before cutting.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature, with some Salted Caramel Gelato and the reserved apple and cinnamon juice.